Minors

Most Bachelor’s programmes at Leiden University have a major-minor structure, with 15 to 30 credits (ECs) reserved for electives. One way to earn elective credits is by doing a minor.

Changes due to corona situation

A minor is a good alternative for bachelor’s students who are unable to study abroad due to the corona situation. We are therefore trying to make our minors accessible to as many students as possible by making a number of changes.

The application deadline for the Teaching minor has been extended till 1 June.

We are currently looking into whether it would be possible to offer more places on minors.

What is a minor?

A minor is a cohesive, carefully-compiled set of courses. Minors have a logical structure and cohesion, with introductory courses followed by an overview of the most important themes within a topic, thus allowing students who are less familiar with the topic to follow the minor.

A minor allows you to explore subjects beyond the boundaries of your own study programme. It can offer new knowledge, insight and skills, perhaps from a completely different field of study. You can also use your minor as a way of preparing for a future Master’s programme.

The best time to do a minor is in the third year of your Bachelor’s programme. It is important that you complete your minor within one year, as the range of minors on offer changes every year.

Minors offered

Minors in Leiden

Minors in Delft and Rotterdam

Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam collaborate closely on a range of educational matters, including minors. During the application period for Leiden students, TU Delft and Erasmus University reserve a third of their minor places for Leiden University students. Just like a period of study abroad, following a minor elsewhere can enrich your studies, your student life and your CV.

Joint minors Leiden-Delft-Rotterdam

Leiden, Delft and Rotterdam also offer joint minors, taught by lecturers from the universities involved. Students from various fields of study have the opportunity to work together on a range of multidisciplinary topics.

Admission requirements

Your minor may not overlap with your regular studies;

If you only want to follow part of a minor, you need permission from the Board of Examiners;

For some minors there are additional admission requirements, such as a specific study programme or a selection procedure. See the Prospectus for the requirements for Leiden minors. For Delft and Rotterdam minors see the websites of TU Delft and the Erasmus University. In the admission matrix you can find an overview of the programme requirements for minors in Delft and Rotterdam.

In terms of educational level, the best time to do a minor is in the third year of your Bachelor’s programme. This is an advisory note, rather than an admission requirement.

Application

Limited places available

There are limited places available on minors and these are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis (with the exception of selection minors*). So make sure to apply on time!

Also remember to cancel your place if you decide not to follow the minor. This will allow another student to take your place.

When?

NOTE: The deadline for the Teaching minor has been extended till 1 June.

Selection minors*

TU Delft, Erasmus, LDE, Leiden

1 till 15 April

Other minors

TU Delft, Erasmus

1 till 31 May

LDE (joint minors)

1 till 31 May

Leiden

1 May till 15 July

* A selection minor is a minor with a different selection procedure. You can check which minors are selection minors in the Prospectus or on the website of TU Delft and Erasmus.

TU Delft, Erasmus University and LDE minors

You can find the necessary study activity code in the admission matrix(TU Delft/Erasmus) or by searching by name in uSis (LDE minors)

You may only apply for one minor at TU Delft, Erasmus University Rotterdam or a joint LDE minor.

*Exception: Students following the bachelor's programmes in Clinical Technology and Life Science & Technology must apply via Osiris.

Important note: multiple applications automatically cancelledIt is technically possible to apply for more than one TU Delft, EUR or joint LDE minor, however only your first application will be processed. After 31 May, all minor applications except your first one will be automatically cancelled. Therefore it is essential that you delete all other minor applications and ensure that your preferred minor is the only one listed in uSis by 31 May.

Questions?

Do you have a question about the content of a particular minor? Get in touch with the contact person for that minor as stated in the Prospectus.

Do you have other questions? Take a look in the FAQ section. If you can't find the information you are looking for, contact the Study Line via studielijn@leidenuniv.nl or 071-527 11 11.